Essentially, a camel safari is a walking safari. Guests can, however, elect either to ride the camels or walk beside them. Evocative and memorable, a camel safari does not require you to be particularly fit – but flexibility and resilience is required. Usually staged in the beautiful semi-arid landscapes of the remoter territories, camel safaris often follow age-old sandy tracks and roads. 

The drivers are usually from the Samburu tribe, and offer a fascinating and friendly cultural interaction. Guests also have the opportunity to meet other indigenous peoples, such as the Rendille, Borana and Turkana.

The practicalities

Most of the travelling is done in the early morning, when it is cool and the wildlife is at its best. Half of the camels carry your personal daypacks and refreshment, the others carry the overnight camping equipment, remaining behind to be loaded and eventually catching up with the main train. Typically, the train will halt for lunch, at which point the camp will be established. Guests are then at leisure, either to relax or to take a nature walk. As the sun sets, a campfire will be lit, ‘sundowners’ served, and a candle-lit dinner presented.